History of Surfing

Above the Roar

Contributing To This Entry

Well-muscled, soft-spoken Tahitian pro surfer; world-ranked #5 in 2014. "They're aren't many guys out there as strong as Michel," Kelly Slater said of Bourez in 2013. "Put him on a right with an open face, watch him set his shoulders and pushes his legs—it's a thing of beauty."

Born (1985) and raised in Toahotu, Tahiti, Bourez began surfing with his brothers at age nine. After claiming the 2006 ASP European championship, Bourez grabbed the rest of the surf world’s attention the following yea...